Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States, has officially designated March 2 as “Burna Boy Day” to honor the Nigerian musician for his influential music and activism.
Ruthzee Louijeune, a councilor for the City of Boston, announced the decision in an official letter.
The document states, “Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, widely recognized by his stage name ‘Burna Boy,’ hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and has risen to international fame. He has been instrumental in bringing Afrobeat music to the global stage, making him a pivotal figure in the worldwide music scene.
“The narrative around African culture has often been sidelined in mainstream media, but Burna Boy’s success represents a significant change. He proudly showcases his Nigerian and African heritage, blending it with modern sounds to produce music that has a universal appeal. This not only challenges existing misconceptions about African creativity but also paves the way for future artists from similar backgrounds.
“Burna Boy uses his music and public platform to highlight issues faced by underrepresented groups, advocating for their rights and bringing attention to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
“The American Community Survey notes that Nigeria is the leading country of origin for African immigrants in the United States, with Massachusetts ranking among the states with the highest population of Nigerian immigrants.
“Boston’s acknowledgment of Burna Boy underscores the city’s commitment to celebrating cultural diversity through various events, festivals, and community programs that reflect its rich multiculturalism.
“Recognizing Burna Boy’s contributions serves as an inspiration, encouraging us to elevate voices that have historically been ignored or suppressed.
“Hence, it is proclaimed that March 2, 2024, will be celebrated as Burna Boy Day in Boston.”
TalkGlitz identifies Burna Boy’s illustrious career, noting his GRAMMY win for Best Global Music Album with “Twice As Tall” at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards ceremony. Additionally, he was honored with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MON) in October 2022 for his musical achievements. Rolling Stone also acknowledged him in 2023, placing him at number 197 on its list of the 200 greatest singers of all time. That same year, he clinched The Headies Award for both Afrobeats Single of the Year and Song of the Year with his hit “Last Last”.
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